News Summary
The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management halted work on the Revolution Wind project, which is nearly complete and vital for renewable energy in Rhode Island and Connecticut. The decision has sparked strong backlash from state officials and labor unions due to its potential impact on local economies and job security. Governor Dan McKee criticized the order as an attack on Rhode Islanders, highlighting its implications on energy costs and local job stability. Critics suggest the halt favors fossil fuels over sustainable energy and has raised significant concerns among various stakeholders.
Providence, Rhode Island – The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has issued a stop-work order for the Revolution Wind project on August 22, 2025, resulting in significant backlash from state officials and labor unions. The project, which is approximately 80% complete, had 45 out of 65 wind turbines installed and is poised to provide renewable energy to over 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut.
The halt is described by officials as an unreasonable interruption that threatens local economies and job stability. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has labeled the move “an attack on Rhode Islanders,” arguing that it is illogical to stop a nearly finished project that aligns with the state’s commitment to renewable energy and climate goals. The cessation of work is expected to jeopardize around 1,000 jobs, according to union representatives.
Governor McKee emphasized the broader implications of the shutdown during a press conference, asserting that it could potentially increase energy costs and negatively affect family finances. He has called for federal intervention to reverse the BOEM’s decision, pointing out that the Revolution Wind project plays a critical role in stabilizing electricity prices, with anticipated savings of roughly $400 million for New England consumers if the project were operational last winter.
This decision comes after more than seven years of development dedicated to creating an offshore wind farm that has already received significant investments designed to enhance local port operations. The project is owned and operated by the Danish company Ørsted, which is now actively assessing the financial ramifications of the stop-work order and may contemplate pursuing legal action against the federal government.
The halt has also attracted criticism from two U.S. Senators from Rhode Island, Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed, who have raised concerns about the underlying motives of the administration. They suggest that this decision may prioritize fossil fuel interests over the advancement and establishment of renewable energy initiatives.
While the project has faced opposition, particularly from groups like Green Oceans, which argue that offshore wind energy poses risks to local communities, the general response from various stakeholders including environmentalists, labor leaders, and energy grid operators has been one of strong disapproval. Protests have emerged in response to the federal government’s decision, indicating widespread dissent against the halt.
Furthermore, energy grid operators in the region have flagged issues regarding reliability and an increased level of risk due to this stoppage amid rising electricity demands in New England. The halt follows a trend established earlier in April 2025 when the administration also paused the Empire Wind project, which was later reinstated after political negotiations.
As discussions surrounding the future of renewable energy in Massachusetts and Rhode Island continue, this recent stop-work order raises questions about the administration’s commitment to fostering the growth of sustainable energy projects in favor of bolstering fossil fuel infrastructure. The implications of this decision will likely unfold as stakeholders rally to address the consequences and plan their next steps.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Rhode Island Current: R.I. Leaders Demand Revolution Wind Stop Work Order Reversed
- Providence Journal: McKee Says Trump Halting Revolution Wind Endangers R.I. Jobs
- ABC 6: 80% Complete Rhode Island Wind Farm Halted
- Wikipedia: Offshore Wind Power
- Fortune: Trump Halts Offshore Revolution Wind Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wind Energy
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
